Hello everyone! Sorry to have been missing so long. After a busy summer I wanted to present in this post 10 very special neighborhoods in Latin America that we love because of their style, environment, bohemian life, architecture…

Vila Madalena is one of the most picturesque and bohemian neighborhoods of São Paulo. Descents and steep climbs with steps, trees and plants, low houses, businesses, ateliers and endless urban art on its walls. Fashion and design, bars everywhere and streets that graffiti artists use as their canvas like the colorful Beco do Batman.

Vila Madalena exhales creativity at any time of day. Vila Madalena has become a mecca of fashion and design in Sao Paulo and one of the most important centers of artistic creation in Brazil. It’s definitely my favorite part of the city, where every time I get lost in its streets I find some new secret place to love.Vila Madalena, Sao Paulo2. Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires

Palermo is the most chic bohemian Buenos Aires neighborhood. It was a proletarian residential area for over a century. Since the 80s, it became one of the trendiest neighborhoods of Buenos Aires. In Palermo Soho the old buildings have been converted into modern facilities while retaining the style, especially on the facades. The old houses have been converted into restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries and cozy boutique hotels. The streets are still mostly cobblestone and the magnificent and immense trees provide a quiet atmosphere.

The famous Plaza Cortazar, is the meeting point for artists, designers, and bohemians who frequent the area as well as tourists and local visitors. A regional crafts fair is held at this popular place on weekends that you cannot miss!Plaza Serrano, Palermo Soho, Buenos Aires3. Coyoacán, México

Coyoacan is the cultural heart of Mexico City, a bohemian place to relax outside the busy capital. Coyoacán owes its name to “the place of coyotes”. During the Mexican Revolution, Coyoacán hid the rebels and the leaders of the revolution, it was always a very artistic and free-thinking place. Today, you cannot miss a visit to understand how was the old city of Mexico during the Spanish colonization.

The historic center was recognized by UNESCO. It contains several excellent museums including the Museum of Frida Kahlo, which talks about the life of the famous feminist painter Léon Trotsky Museum, her Russian lover, and the house of Diego Rivera, her husband.Coyoacán, Ciudad de México4. Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México

La Condesa lived its opulent period between 1890 and 1950, reflected in its art deco architecture. In Condesa we find the best expression of diversity in the city.

Over time, its cosmopolitan and bohemian character has increased, becoming today one of the hippest places in Mexico City. It is a quiet neighborhood during the day, great to read in its parks or visit its libraries and galleries, and becomes a great party place in the evenings. You will find numerous outdoor terraces, cafes, bookstores, restaurants, art galleries, boutiques and cultural centers.Colonia Condesa, Ciudad de México5. La Macarena, Bogotá

La Macarena has already been compared to New York’s Soho and Palermo in Buenos Aires. It is growing as the favorite place of artists, actors and people from all over the world. Today, despite the cultural and bohemian ‘move’, the atmosphere of a calm and quiet neighborhood where everyone knows each other is preserved.

It is located on the slopes of the hills of the city, next to Bosque Izquierdo where the aristocracy of La Candelaria built their big houses in the thirties. La Macarena is an unplanned neighborhood that in the 70’s became a meeting place for the most influential and controversial artists and intellectuals of the second half of the twentieth century in Colombia.La Macarena, Bogota6. Lastarria, Santiago de Chile

Lastarria has a European flair that visitors love: there are cafes, restaurants, art galleries and independent design shops. People go cycling. On the weekends takes place a picturesque fair of antiques and used books. It is a quiet area, which seems to be stopped in time, without noise, well maintained and of an undisputed urban value: there are numerous houses designed by renowned architects such as Luciano Kulczewski – that have been declared properties of historic preservation.Lastarria, Santiago de Chile7. Barranco, Lima

Barranco was the spa of aristocratic families that built here their European style ranches for the summer. Artisans, shopkeepers, poets, artists and workers also settled in the area by building their workshops, homes and businesses. Barranco attracts for its streets with Republican style houses and villas; for its ancient trees and idyllic places; for its enviable ocean views from the canyon that gives name to the district.

It is an oasis in the bustling metropolis of Lima. An oasis inhabited and visited by foreigners, artists and lifelong neighbors. A rich oasis to eat, to walk, to enjoy Lima at night and to surf! Barranco holds the freest spirit of Lima, its most artistic and bohemian side you cannot miss.Barranco, Lima8. Bellavista, Santiago de Chile

Bellavista is undoubtedly one of the most charming places of Santiago, full of bars, restaurants and colorful streets. It is an old bohemian neighborhood on the slopes of Cerro San Cristóbal and the north bank of the Rio Mapocho, and where the house of Pablo Neruda is located.

Although situated near the center of the city the scenery changes completely from the moment you walk in the Bellavista. A natural slowdown, without chaotic traffic and the excitement of the central streets of Santiago. Just sit in a bar on the sidewalk, order a Pisco Sour, admire the scenery and enjoy the moment!Bellavista, Santiago de Chile9. Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá

Since 1673 when the city moved to the peninsula where now lies, it has suffered several fires, has seen its walls rise and fall, and its houses change styles, century after century. Today its charm lies in a particular neighborhood flavor in the mix between classic and modern, between historic and bohemian. A magic that remains in the memory after walking its streets, try its restaurants or enjoy a glass of wine in one of its charming squares.

The Old Town of Panama preserves the authenticity of a heritage in constant transformation. The crumbling mansions give a touch of nostalgia to an area full of vitality, where every day new residents and tourists are arriving, and whose historical foundations give birth to a vibrant lifestyle.Casco Viejo, Ciudad de Panamá10. Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Lapa is Rio de Janeiro’s most bohemian neighborhood for its diverse cultural activities and for being one of the most important points of architectural interest of the city. Between bars, taverns and countless samba this old bohemian neighborhood evokes the essence of the past.

During the Belle Époque in Brazil this district was known as the “Montmartre Carioca” mainly attracting artists and intellectuals. Now attracts a new audience. Every Friday night just below the famous Arch, a multicultural festival begins. Nightclubs, bars, restaurants, houses of samba, among other styles, open their doors to welcome the thousands of tourists and locals that transform the neighborhood into a festival, where you can see thousands of people dancing, drinking caipirinha and enjoying life. A must.Lapa, Rio de Janeiro

Many of you are just a few days or weeks away from your holidays so I wanted to present a great project for all those who are going to be traveling.
I met Dani Losada and his initiative, Trip Drop, a few months ago. Trip Drop is a small space in your luggage. A small empty space to fill the needs of nonprofit organizations worldwide. It is a unique opportunity to participate in the local culture, get involved and learn more about your destination as you will be responsible for taking the items to those in need.
On their website you will find all the information you need to know regarding what and where you have to take the material. I encourage everyone to participate in this great initiative!

ETIS is a Civil Association that implements social and educational programs for children and socially vulnerable youth. We seek to strengthen education through community participation for the transformation of the neighborhoods. Composed of diverse members (residents, volunteers, students and professionals), volunteers work with cultural, educational and sports workshops.

ALDEA YANAPAY was born in 2004, in the city of Cuzco, and has alternative schools that run every afternoon for children between 4 and 12 years old. In addition to providing affection to these children from families with limited resources, they offer educational and human development programs. Some programs include the Library, where children do their schoolwork, Art and Expression, Toy Library and Tutoring. In addition, everyone (volunteers and kids) participate every day in the famous Circle of Expression, where we philosophize about the problems of each person and solutions are sought.

What do they need? It would be interesting to conduct a craft workshop, arts, drawing, etc.. In addition to providing the material to the center we give the traveler the opportunity to get involved and participate with the children in any activity.
Everything can be bought in the area of Ciudad Bolívar, is cheaper and the money stays there as it is one of the most disadvantaged sectors of BogotáContact: Oscar Perez (hola@holaghana.org)Places to visit nearby: Cerro de Montserrat, La Candelaria, Gold Museum, Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park

What do they need? Basically we need cement, sand and pebbles that are valued at 125 USD for building a floor where we’ll put some exercise machines for children and people of the community. It is a community space that is part of the school to promote healthy lifestyles in the population.Contact: Jose Luis Villagran Barahona (jose.villagran @ araucariasdechile.cl)Places to visit nearby: Santiago de Chile

What do they need? The center houses 250 disabled people. What we most need is:
– Clothing that can be left in the hospital and return with an empty suitcase or full of gifts
– Medications: we can use anything, provided that they are NOT expired, and are well identified.
– Diapers of all sizes.

Contact: Juan Ramón Casanova Borja (jcasanova@fivo.org)Places to visit nearby: Antigua colonial city is a must see for anyone going to Guatemala, is a beautiful city surrounded by three volcanoes.

A climbing and hiking trip is one of the very best ways to see as much of a country as possible. The exertion of the climb is immediately worth it when you reach your summit and experience the most incredible possible views of your destination. You don’t have to be an expert rock climber to experience the joy and exhilaration of a unique climbing trip. Here are five of the most interesting climbing experiences in the world, all of which are completely accessible to novices. Just remember not to look down!

Climb the Villarrica Volcano
Standing at an altitude of 9,440 feet , the Villarrica volcano is one of the only active volcanoes in the world that you can climb in a day trip, making it an essential excursion for anyone visiting Chile and a truly unique and interesting experience. Volcano Live report that Villarrica is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes, although it hasn’t experienced a full eruption since 1971 so it’s perfectly safe to climb. You’ll experience a full range of climatic conditions during your hike to the mountains peak, passing through ice and snow before ultimately arriving at the steaming hot bubbling surface of the volcano: a view that you’ll never forget! Villarrica is one of the world’s most climbed stratovolcanoes, and a day trip to its peak generally last between 7-11 hours (with 4-5 of those being the physical activity of the climb itself). An excursion to climb the mountain is accessible for climbers of all ability levels, but the trip isn’t recommended for children under the age of 12 years old.Climbing Volcan Villarica, Chile

Climb and Rapel in the Andes
The Andes are famous for the unique and interesting climbing opportunities they afford. In fact, The Andes have been selected as one of the world’s top ten climbs by National Geographic magazine, making a day trip here the perfect taster of a journey so many people travel to experience again and again. Enjoy a trek in “Cerro Manos” with stunning views of Cordon del Plata then spend your afternoon climbing and repelling in the foothills of the mountain for a full-blown adrenaline hit. The landscape you’ll see during this trip is truly breath taking, and if you’re considering a more intensive trip through The Andes to travel to higher peaks of this mountain range then this beginner-level day trip is a fantastic way to dip your toe in the water and put your climbing skills to the test.Rappeling in the Andes

Climb the Great White Pass
By complete contrast to the heat and humidity of climbing through the Andes, the Great White Pass is a cold climb in the heart of Skagway, where you’ll climb against a smooth granite surface whilst being framed by glaciers and truly breathtaking views. As Iglu Cruise point out, there are many stunning views on your climb including Skagway River, the White Pass Route Railway and the beautiful surrounding areas. The White Pass and Yukon Route Railway website reports that this is one of the most popular excursions in the area, with around 900,000 tourists visiting the area each year, and it’s easy to see why.Along the route of the White Pass – Yukon Railroad Route – HBarrison

Trek Along The Cocoa Route
If you’re looking for a gentler trip with lower altitudes and very little traditional climbing involved then a trek along the cocoa route in the heart of Venezuela could be the perfect trip for you. This historically important route passes through the Henri Pittier National Park, an area renowned for the natural beauty of its flora and fauna. Due to the changes of altitude levels throughout this route you’ll experience a wide and varied range of different fauna during your trip. You’ll also pass through the incredibly remote Chuao coastal town, safe in the knowledge that you’re following a path used by the by merchants of cocoa beans of yesteryear: a must see for those chocolate addicts among you!Sunset in the Cocoa Route, Venezuela

Climb The Matterhorn
Finally, you can’t talk about the best climbing experiences in the world without mentioning The Matterhorn, the rugged mountain in Switzerland considered to be the birthplace of modern mountaineering. The Matterhorn is considered to be a very difficult climb, and one that is generally attempted by professional and experiences climbers. However, according to Alpine Ascents, there are several trails on the mountain that are accessible to novice climbers. Both novice and experienced climbers can also receive training at the base of the mountain to prepare for technical ascents. Climb this peak if you want to secure your place in the mountaineering hall of fame, and dramatically improve your climbing skills.View of the Matterhorn, Switzerland. Credits Adam Baker

About Me

I am a São Paulo based traveler, consultant and entrepreneur.
I am a passionate traveler that has visited over 35 countries. My traveling obsession is to avoid the mass and getting where nobody gets to. I love exploring new places, meeting the locals, enjoying pristine nature and practicing adventure sports. Excellent food and a charming small hotel give the final touch to wonderful journeys.